Metroparks mulls role in Lathrop House
District would link with citizens, city of Sylvania to preserve historic structure

By MIKE JONES
BLADE STAFF WRITER

The board of the Toledo Area Metroparks is considering forming a partnership with the Friends of the Lathrop House and the city of Sylvania to preserve and provide a long-term use for the 1830s-vintage property.

Larry Sykes, president of the Metroparks’ board, said he views the potential of the groups working together as "a great marriage.’’

He said the role of the Metroparks is not only to preserve nature, but to preserve the history of the area.

The Lathrop House can be restored to its appearance when it was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad for escaping slaves making their way to Canada, Mr. Sykes said. He said the Metroparks has preserved and utilized the Manor House at Wildwood Preserve Metropark, "and we can do it with the Lathrop House with volunteers and fund-raisers.’’

The board meets today to discuss the proposal.

Sylvania Mayor Craig Stough said if the board approves the resolution, work will begin on a master cooperation agreement that will define the roles of the city and the park system in the project.

Jack Gallon, a member of the Metroparks’ board, said if necessary, the house could be moved to Metroparks property.

He said the house is a potential tourist attraction with its history as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Susan Horvath, another member of the Metroparks’ board, said she agrees that the building is appropriate for historical programs.

The Friends of the Lathrop House was formed last year after the Catholic Diocese of Toledo bought the house and its four acres for use by St. Joseph Church, across Main Street from the property.

Church officials said at the time they were going to raze the building and use the property and an adjacent eight acres to the east owned by the diocese for expansion.

They later agreed not to demolish the building while the Friends of the Lathrop House worked to raise money to move the house from church property.

Linda Bunda, a member of the citizens group, said it has raised about $60,000 with conditional promises of $50,000 each from Sylvania and Sylvania Township. The group has an estimate of about $115,000 to move the building. Township trustees said they are barred by law from making a donation unless the building is used for a public purpose.

Tim Greenwood, law director of the township, said he would have to wait until plans are more definite before determining whether the Metroparks’ plans for the Lathrop House qualify for a donation from the township.

The citizens group has an earlier offer from the Olander Park System for a site for the house if it must be moved. Members said at the time if the house must be moved, they would prefer that it stay next to the ravine where it stands, because that ravine is said to have been used as cover by escaping slaves. In addition, members said they had difficulty getting large donations because, until now, they have been unable to assure corporations and foundations how the building would be used.